Want to see how you might have fared in this year's Code War competition? I'll be posting the questions up over the next few days for you to try out. If you want a fair comparison with the real event you should stick to the following rules:

• Use any programming language/environment as long as it involves typing code into some sort of editor;
• All tools, help files etc must be closed when you begin;
• Screen resolution 1024x768, one screen;
• No internet or network connections, including phones or other devices, and
• The timer starts 30 seconds after seeing the question for the first time.

For absolute authenticity you should try the questions after a stormy interstate flight or a hectic day at work, with at least three drinks under your belt and a crowd of one hundred people watching your every keystroke. If you're under twenty minutes you “could'a been a contender”, as they say in the classics...

Now for the first question:

Cipher

The rebels have been backed into a corner and have sent a communique to their freedom fighters. Decode their message to intercept them. Do not let them escape.

Can you break their expensive custom-built ROT-14 cipher in time?

Hvs sbsam wg qcawbu! Twbr gvszhsf pm hvs POF